AMIR Khan's ambition to win an Olympic gold medal will move a step closer with news of an historic agreement between the professional and amateur fight codes.

Promoter Frank Warren is expected to announce tomorrow a new partnership with the Amateur Boxing Association that will allow amateur stars to fight on pro bills.

However, Athens silver medallist Khan is the fighter Warren and his competitors have been targeting since his brilliant displays at this summer's Games.

His presence alone would help sell thousands of extra tickets and boost television ratings.

With only a few exceptions, including Manchester's own world champion Ricky Hatton, 18-year-old Khan is the biggest box office draw in British boxing.

His explosive performance against American Michael Evans earlier this month was watched live by millions of BBC TV viewers - despite criticism from Warren that it was shown at the wrong time slot.

And future bouts would attract similar numbers as Khan's talent and personality have captivated the nation.

The new partnership also crucially allows the Bury ABC lightweight to retain his amateur status while making the promoters the money they know Khan's presence will guarantee.

Dream

Khan, whose next scheduled appearance in Britain is in February for the ABA senior championships, won't be out of pocket.

He has been offered é80,000 a year to stay amateur until the Beijing Olympics in 2008 when he would be expected to turn his Greek silver into Chinese gold.

Indeed, last Sunday at the BBC TV Sports Personality of the Year Awards, Khan admitted: "My dream is to win an Olympic gold."

ABA spokesman Ron Boddy confirmed to MEN Sport that negotiations have been taking place with Warren's Sports Network organisation.

"Let's just say we can expect some news before Christmas," adds Boddy.

"But this isn't a new idea. It's something we had been working on for the last four years.

"And we were close to agreeing a deal before the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

"Under the deal the ABA would be paid a fee by the promoter to have their boxers on the bill. And that money would be ploughed back into the grass roots of the sport.

"The deal would probably mean a maximum of six fights on the undercard and a minimum of four. But they would probably be international matches or even regional competitions where, say, Manchester boxers would meet Newcastle or Liverpool.

"We want to help our elite boxers further their careers as amateurs; those that have chances of medals at major championships.